An intriguing premise the gets off to a good start but becomes tedious as we are subject to the same old scare tactics and not enough character development to make us empathize with our heroes’ plight. Chernobyl Diaries, penned by Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity), is the story of six young vacationers who go on an “extreme” tour guide to the city of Pripyat, the (somewhat) deserted scene of Chernobyl’s terrible nuclear disaster from 25 years ago. There’s lots of atmosphere but the setting here has so much potential that it’s a shame there isn’t enough gore or chills to really make us jump out of our seats. Chernobyl Diaries is a second-rate slasher – * * 1/2